Democrats Accused of Neglecting Election Safeguards Amid Growing Threats
Political analysts are raising alarms that the Democratic Party is prioritising mobilisation for the upcoming 2026 elections while failing to address immediate risks to electoral fairness. Critics argue this oversight could leave the door open for potential rigging through executive actions, intimidation tactics, or disruptions in vote counting processes.
Trump's Comments Highlight Underlying Dangers
Recent interviews with former President Donald Trump have underscored the severity of the situation. In discussions with Reuters and the New York Times, Trump hinted at regretting not deploying the National Guard to seize voting machines after the 2020 election loss, suggesting a continued willingness to challenge electoral outcomes. These remarks, as noted by historians, serve as a stark warning that the threat to free and fair elections remains very real and pressing.
The Role of Project 2025 in Shaping Election Strategies
Central to these concerns is Project 2025, a set of proposals that outline strategies which could undermine election integrity. Key recommendations include:
- Transferring election crime investigations to the Department of Justice's criminal division, potentially criminalising voting itself.
- Reducing funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which supports election security nationwide.
- Weaponising federal power to retaliate against election officials for unfavourable decisions.
Experts like Liza Gordon-Rogers and the Brennan Center for Justice warn that these measures could jeopardise multi-racial democracy and weaken election systems further.
Historical Precedents and Authoritarian Tactics
The situation draws parallels with authoritarian regimes, such as Hungary under Viktor Orbán, where electoral manipulation through gerrymandering and mail-in ballot restrictions has been used to consolidate power. Trump's admiration for such leaders and his claims that states must follow federal directives in vote tabulation echo these tactics, raising fears of similar approaches in the US.
Democratic Response and the Urgency for Action
Despite these warnings, Democratic leaders have largely focused on traditional campaigning rather than proactive measures to safeguard elections. Robert Kagan, a historian at the Brookings Institution, emphasises that Trump's desire for total power makes a fair electoral defeat unlikely without intervention. Election lawyer Marc Elias adds that the 2026 midterms could be more vulnerable to manipulation due to weakened systems and increased experience among Trump's allies.
Scholars suggest that electoral manipulation not only serves to secure power but also signals strength to key audiences, making it a tempting strategy for those in authority. With time running short, there is a growing call for Democrats and the public to mobilise not just for votes, but to ensure the electoral process itself remains robust and transparent.
